The scarlet-chested sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is found in many areas of Sub-Saharan Africa, and from South Sudan to South Africa.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from West Africa through the Sahel and savannas of Central and East Africa to South Africa. It frequents open woodland, Acacia and miombo savanna, riparian thickets, and cultivated areas, including parks and gardens. It is common at flowering trees and shrubs and adapts well to human-altered landscapes. Generally avoids dense interior rainforest but uses forest edges and clearings.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This sunbird is a key pollinator of many flowering shrubs and trees across sub-Saharan Africa. Males are striking with a brilliant scarlet chest used in display, while females are much duller for camouflage at the nest. Though capable of hovering like hummingbirds, they usually feed while perched. They often track blooming cycles and can thrive in gardens and disturbed habitats.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent hovering at flowers
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs; males defend rich nectar sources vigorously. The female builds a pendant, oval nest from plant fibers and spider webs, often with a small porch over the entrance. Clutches are small, and the female incubates while the male guards the territory and food sources nearby.
Migratory Pattern
Resident with local movements following flowering cycles
Song Description
Produces thin, high-pitched twitters and rapid tinkling phrases interspersed with sharp tseep notes. Calls carry well and are given during display flights and while foraging.
Plumage
Male is mostly glossy black with an intense scarlet chest and throat panel and a small metallic green sheen on the forehead when fresh; wings and tail appear blackish. Female is brownish-olive above with paler gray-buff underparts and fine streaking on the breast and flanks. Both sexes have a long, decurved bill adapted for nectar feeding.
Diet
Primarily consumes nectar from a variety of flowering trees and shrubs such as aloes, hibiscus, and acacias. Supplements its diet with small insects and spiders, especially during breeding for protein. Occasionally takes small fruits or laps sap when available. Its brush-tipped tongue and curved bill are adapted for efficient nectar extraction.
Preferred Environment
Feeds at flowering shrubs, garden ornamentals, and native trees along woodland edges and riparian thickets. Often forages at mid to upper canopy levels but will descend to garden flowers and roadside blooms.
